The Town of Georgina has received a grant from the federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program for improvements to the Georgina Sutton Arena to make it more energy efficient and accessible. The contribution is for up to $1,118,412 or up to 80 per cent of the total eligible project costs.
“This funding allows us to upgrade and modernize the Sutton Arena – not just by replacing aging equipment, but by making it more energy-efficient and welcoming for everyone,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk. “These improvements will enhance air quality, comfort and safety so that our entire community – families, seniors and future generations – can continue to enjoy this wonderful facility.”
The Sutton Arena is used by 115,000 children, youth, adults and seniors for its ice rink and community hall each year. An energy audit was completed in October 2024 and recommended several energy conservation measures including replacing aging and inefficient HVAC roof-top units, upgrading the furnaces and hot water heaters, switching lights to LED bulbs, replacing the propane-fueled ice resurfacer with an electric model, and installing a building automation system to improve the net gains from each of the individual retrofits. By implementing these conservation measures, the project will significantly improve the energy efficiency of the facility by reducing the tonnage of CO2 emissions.
“Spaces like the Sutton Arena are cherished because they bring people together and make our communities stronger,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. “Canada’s investment will not only extend the life of this facility, it will also reduce its environmental impact, while improving amenities for everyone to enjoy.”
The project will improve accessibility of the space for people with disabilities. The elevator will be modernized and upgraded to improve accessibility. The project will also improve the climate resiliency of the facility by mitigating against extreme heat and heavier rainfall. The retrofit of the building exterior and equipment will make the facility more energy efficient, improving the efficiency of cooling the facility on hot days, as well as improving its accessibility as a cooling centre. In addition, the surrounding parking lot and roads are at risk of flood damage due to heavier periods of rainfall. This project will reduce the risk by implementing low-impact development features including green infrastructure to prevent and reduce damage to the facility’s infrastructure.
This multi-year project is anticipated to begin in spring 2026.